Celebrate National AccessAbility Week in Oshawa
In March 2020, the City of Oshawa proclaimed Sunday, May 31 through to Saturday, June 6 as National AccessAbility Week (N.A.A.W.) in Oshawa.
N.A.A.W. takes place annually, beginning on the last Sunday in May and aims to change the way society thinks, talks and acts in regards to accessibility and inclusion. It is a week for accessibility and inclusion to be promoted across communities and workplaces and a time to celebrate the contributions of Canadians with disabilities and the efforts of those working to remove barriers.
The City wishes to recognize the Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee (O.A.A.C.) for their hard work and dedication to this cause. The O.A.A.C. advises and assists the City, including its agencies, boards and commissions, in developing and facilitating strategies and actions toward developing and maintaining a barrier free community with the goal of improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
The O.A.A.C. flag will be raised to mark the beginning of N.A.A.W. week. To mark the week, community members are encouraged to:
- Take a walk by City Hall to see the recently designed O.A.A.C logo flying proudly on the community flagpole. Please remember to follow physical distancing recommendations from health authorities.
- Discuss accessibility and inclusion with family, friends and colleagues. The City’s Facebook and Twitter accounts will provide prompting questions and facts.
- On Wednesday, June 3, wear red to raise awareness and promote N.A.A.W. “Red Shirt Day” was developed by Easter Seals Canada to show community support for persons who are living with disabilities and commitment to helping create a fully accessible and inclusive society. Take a picture in red and tag us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using the hashtags #RedForAccessAbility and #OurOshawa.
Information about accessibility in Oshawa is available on the City’s Accessibility webpage.
For updates on the City of Oshawa, visit www.oshawa.ca and sign up for news, alerts and e-newsletters. Stay connected with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and Connect Oshawa.
Quotes:
“The volunteer members of the O.A.A.C. are truly an inspiring group. Their strong desire to remove barriers in the City of Oshawa is about seeing results. As member Steven Moenster says, ‘accessibility means a level playing field for all.’ Chair Lisa Hart says, ‘accessibility means Opportunities,’ and Dot McFarlane says, ‘it means Independence!’ Doesn’t everyone wish this for their family, friends and neighbours?,” said Councillor Rosemary McConkey, Council Representative, Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee. “Making your city barrier free starts with people believing it needs to happen and knowing together they can help make it happen.”
“It is said to understand a person walk a mile in their shoes. Even if you went a mile in my chair, you could not begin to know what it feels like. Because you can walk away at any time. That is why awareness week is so important,” said Lisa Hart, Chair, Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee.